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Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please call or email. We have real people that answer the phone and respond to emails. See Contact Us.
What does PML make?
Where are PML products made?
Where can I find installation instructions for my product?
What are the torque specifications for my bolts?
What are the thread specifications for the drain plug and washer?
PML transmission pans and differential covers use one of two magnetic drain plugs depending on the product: 1/2-20 UNF threaded magnetic drain plug or 3/8-14 NPT threaded magnetic drain plug.
1/2-20 UNF Threaded Magnetic Drain Plug
Most PML pans and covers use a 1/2-20 UNF magnetic drain plug. When installed, you can see the 9/16 inch hex head of the drain plug.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Thread size | 1/2-20 |
| Hex head size | 9/16 inch |
| Thread length (under head to last thread) | ~0.50 inch |
| Head to magnet tip | ~1.0 inch |
| Overall length | ~1.3 inch |
Washer Included With 1/2-20 Magnetic Drain Plug
| Dimension | Range |
|---|---|
| Inner diameter | 0.50 – 0.56 inch |
| Outer diameter | 0.86 – 0.88 inch |
| Thickness | 0.05 – 0.06 inch |
This washer is reusable. Between uses, rub both sides on 100-grit sandpaper and wipe clean. Prefer a crush washer? Use Dorman oil drain plug gasket, part number 097-027.
3/8 NPT Magnetic Drain Plug
The 3/8 NPT magnetic drain plug uses a 5/16 socket head.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Thread size | 3/8 NPT |
| Socket head size | 5/16 inch |
| Total length | 0.65 inch |
| Magnet length | 0.20 inch |
What filters should be used with PML transmission pans?
PML pans are designed to work with OEM stock filters — no aftermarket filter or extension required.
How It Works
If the filter does not bolt directly onto the valve body, the PML pan includes integrated fingers or posts built into the floor of the pan. These rise to the height of the stock pan and hold the filter securely in place.
- Uses the same readily available OEM stock filter while providing the cooling benefit of increased oil capacity and finned cast aluminum construction
- Fluid level and pick-up point remain identical to the stock pan
- Original transmission fluid dynamics are fully preserved
- No stagnant oil layer — active mixing of fluid from the filter intake to the transmission, oil return to the pan, and vehicle movement keep fluid circulating
PML Design vs. Filter Extensions
| PML Pan Design | Filter Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter used | OEM stock filter | Custom / aftermarket |
| Filter availability | Widely available | Can be difficult to source |
| Fluid suction effort | Unchanged from stock | May require more effort |
| Leak / failure risk | None introduced | Can break or leak |
| Replacement ease | Standard service | Can be difficult to replace |
PML pans are designed to work with OEM stock filters — no aftermarket filter or extension required.
How It Works
If the filter does not bolt directly onto the valve body, the PML pan includes integrated fingers or posts built into the floor of the pan. These rise to the height of the stock pan and hold the filter securely in place.
- Uses the same readily available OEM stock filter while provides the cooling benefit of increased oil capacity and finned cast aluminum construction
- Fluid level and pick-up point remain identical to the stock pan
- Original transmission fluid dynamics are fully preserved
- No stagnant oil layer — active mixing of fluid from the filter intake to the transmission, oil return to the pan, and vehicle movement keep fluid circulating
PML Design vs. Filter Extensions
| PML Pan Design | Filter Extension | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter used | OEM stock filter | Custom / aftermarket |
| Filter availability | Widely available | Can be difficult to source |
| Fluid suction effort | Unchanged from stock | May require more effort |
| Leak / failure risk | None introduced | Can break or leak |
| Replacement ease | Standard service | Can be difficult to replace |
What kind of gasket should I use with my PML pan or cover?
What is sand cast aluminum?
PML uses sand cast aluminum for all differential covers, transmission pans, and valve covers. The combination of material and manufacturing process is what makes PML parts genuinely heavy duty — stronger, better looking, and more thermally efficient than die-cast or stamped alternatives.
Why Aluminum
- High strength-to-weight ratio — strong without being heavy
- Excellent heat transfer — helps cool transmission and differential oil
What Is Sand Casting?
Sand casting is the process of pouring molten aluminum into a sand mold, producing one thick, solid, heavy-duty part. The resulting rough surface texture — like the feel of sand — creates more surface area than a smooth finish, allowing for better and faster thermal dissipation. Many enthusiasts also feel that sand castings more closely replicate the original, classic look of factory parts than die-cast or stamped alternatives.
How Manufacturing Methods Compare
| Sand Cast (PML) | Die-Cast | Stamped | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness | Thick & solid | Thin | Thin |
| Durability | Heavy duty | Not heavy duty | Prone to bending & warping |
| Surface finish | Rough (more surface area) | Smooth | Smooth |
| Thermal dissipation | Better & faster | Less effective | Less effective |
| Classic appearance | Replicates original look | Modern / industrial | Utilitarian |
Will my fluid temperature drop?
PML does not guarantee a drop in fluid temperature, but many customers who install a PML transmission pan or differential cover report an average reduction of 5 to 10 degrees. Results vary based on a number of factors.
What Affects Fluid Temperature
- Vehicle configuration and drivetrain setup
- Driving conditions — city, highway, towing, or hauling
- Ambient weather and temperature
- Load and stress on the transmission
- Where fluid temperature is measured
Some customers only notice temperature drops under heavy use such as towing or climbing hills. Others report that fluid temperature returns to a normal range more quickly after high-stress driving. If your transmission fluid temperature was already at the optimal operating range before installing a PML pan, the system may maintain that same temperature — which is exactly what it is designed to do.
Does PML have a store?
PML does not have a retail storefront, but in-person order pickups are available by appointment at our Southern California facility.
How to Schedule a Pickup
- Call PML to place your order over the phone
- We will verify the part is in stock and schedule a pickup time
- Pickup appointments are available Monday – Friday, 9am to 3:30pm
- Our facility doors are kept locked — scheduling ensures someone is ready to assist when you arrive